DFIS vs VOO
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFIS offers more diversification with 3438 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFIS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,519 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.89% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.79% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.31% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFIS vs VOO Performance
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFIS returned +22.79% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, DFIS is up 11.89% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, DFIS compounded at +19.31% per year against +21.78% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +11.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -27.2% for DFIS and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIS charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFIS currently yields 2.04% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFIS and VOO share 5 holdings out of 3938 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFIS or VOO?
DFIS has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFIS or VOO?
Over the past year DFIS returned +22.79% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFIS annualized +11.53% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFIS or VOO?
DFIS has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFIS -27.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFIS and VOO?
DFIS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFIS and VOO?
DFIS and VOO share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIS or VOO?
DFIS yields 2.04% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DFIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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